It’s that time of the year again apparently. Actually, I’m not really following all these music festivals, I just get to hear some songs here and there….only when they finally get to be hits lol.
Again, all because of JaDine and my new-found love for music from VIVA, I spent some time listening to all the entries this year.
Walang Hanggan (Written by Ramiru Mataro, Interpreted by Ramiru Mataro & Donnalyn Bartolome) – My favorite. Not saying this should be the winning entry or anything, but this is the song I enjoyed the most. So catchy, and their voices just sound so good. Ramiru’s, who would’ve thought he will sound like that? And Donnalyn, I’m just surprised that she can sound as solid and sweet like this. Only thing I don’t like is how much the chorus was repeated in the end. I feel like it’s lazy writing, but who am I really to say that?
Musikaw (Written by Melchor Magno, Interpreted by James Reid ft. Pio) – classic club music and James just doing his thing and he’s a really good singer so nothing new. Really smooth and nice, just dangerously sound like Justin Bieber’s Beauty and the Beat.
I Owe You My Heart (Written by Melvin Morallos, Interpereted by Anja Aguilar) – I’m really happy that Anja is not singing some good old boring ballad. This sounds really good and just have the hook to save it from like what I mentioned, good old boring ballad.
Triangulo (Written by Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana, Interpreted by Thyro Alfaro, Yumi Lacsamana and Jeric Medina) – I am surprised that they joined again (they won last 2013 with Dati) but any song from them is very welcome. Love the chorus and just showcases again how much of lyrical geniuses these two are. ‘Try-Ang-Gulo’, really?? Awesome.
For The Rest Of My Life (Written By Ned Esguerra, Interpreted by Side A) – such a gorgeous song, can be a wedding song, or something to do a slow dance with and the voice just matches so well. But sorry, where’s Joey?? Lol.
Sa Ibang Mundo (Written by Mark Villar, Interpreted by Kean Cipriano and Nadine Lustre) – this is the sound of OPM that I miss, band music. Glad to have a song like this in the competition this year. Kean and Nadine did so well, Nadine especially, never thought she’ll be able to rock out like this. Looking forward to them performing this live.
Kilig (Written by Soc Villanueva, Interpreted by Jinky Vidal) – I love how this sounds so different from the other songs and the witty lyrics, performed very well by Ms. Jinky. Another favorite.
Apat Na Buwang Pasko (Written by Gino Cruz and Jeff Arcilla, Interpreted by Jon Santos) – very entertaining song and Mr. Jon Santos made it all work. This is something you would love to watch being performed and not just heard.
Paratingin Mo Na Siya (Written and Interpreted by Davey Langit) – very catchy and good lyrics as well.
Nasaan (Written and Interpreted by Lara Maigue) – not exactly my thing, too slow. But has a really nice melody and has this very classic sound to it. Lovely.
Tanging Pag-Asa Ko (Written by Paul Armesin, Interpreted by The Company) – I must admit, I was intimidated with the deep words lol. But kidding aside, this is such a solemn and inspiring song. I’m not sure if it fits the whole ‘Pop’ thing but good music is good music.
Edge Of The World (Written by Johann Garcia, Interpreted by Josh Padilla & Yassi Pressman) – I love that there is an EDM song among the entries. Really good, could’ve done better with the production I think, and quite too long? But again, still very good.
I love the diversity among the entries, but that’s what makes it hard to pick a favorite. All entries can be a hit in their own right and to a specific market. Some songs might not sound like what we know as OPM, but then, music is continuously evolving. Different eras may have a different meaning to OPM and it’s up to the people to define that.
So, now I have new songs on my playlist. I hope they’ll release the album soon, and good luck to the finalists!
localsofia 